Two iconic Americans – and former District residents – celebrated birthdays in the past few days: President Abraham Lincoln on February 12th, and abolitionist Frederick Douglass on February 14th.

Both men played integral roles in bringing about the ending of slavery. And though they often were at odds, they developed a unique friendship toward the end of Civil War, which began 150 years ago in April.

I recently traveled across the Anacostia River to visit Frederick Douglass’s home, Cedar Hill.

Frederick Douglass’s home, Cedar Hill, in the Anacostia neighborhood.

It’s in the neighborhood of Old Anacostia, and I’ve been meaning to take a tour of the house for about as long as I’ve lived in the District.

Cedar Hill is in a part of the city that many Washingtonians and most tourists never visit – east of the river.

In Washington, D.C., January 20is usually reserved for the inauguration of presidents. But since we’re still mid-way through an administration, I decided this would be a fitting date to inaugurate this blog instead.

I’ve lived and worked in the District of Columbia – also known simply as the District by its residents – for the past decade.

The east front of the Capitol building on Capitol Hill.

While my full-time work has always involved journalism in one fashion or another, I’ve also had a weekend job that amuses my friends and sometimes surprises my colleagues.